Playground apparatus



Dec. 17, 1929. 3, HOPPES 1,740,304

PLAYGROUND APPARATUS Filed March 19. 1927 JNVENTOR. 114.1 44 11,

' ATTORNEYS.

Patented Dec. 17, 1929 UNlTED STATES PATENT OFFICE CHARLES E. IIOPPES, OF SPRINGFIELD, OHIO, ASSIGNOR TO THE EVERVJEAR MANU- FACTURING COMPANY, OF SPRINGFIELD, OHIO, A CORPOBATION OF OHIO PLAYGROUND APPARATUS Application filed March 19, 1927. Serial No. 176,773.

This invention relates to play-ground apparatus, it particularly relating to an apparatus known as a wave stride.

The apparatus embodying the invention consists of a circular rotatable and oscillatory hand rail, arranged at a suflicient elevation above the ground line to allow the users to hang from the hand rail by grasping the same with the hands and then revolve and oscillate the hand rail with a wave-like motion by pushing with the feet upon the ground.

The object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the character referred to which will be simple in construction and effective in operation.

Referring to the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of an apparatus embodying the improvements.

Fig. 2 is a vertical section of a portion of the same.

Fig. 3 is a section through the hand rail and guard ring showing one of the connecting links between the same.

Referring to the drawings, 1 represents a vertically arranged tubular support, the lower end of which is planted in the ground in any suitable way and the upper end of which is provided with a semi-spherical head 3 having a stem 4: which is placed with a tight fit in the tubular support. Mounted upon the head 4 is a cap 5 having a semispherical interior conforming to the shape of the head, with the lower portion flaring outwardly. Secured to the lower portion of this cap by bolts 6, is a series of flexible hangers shown in the present case in the form of chains 7. Fastcned to the lower end of each chain is a rigid link 8 (see Fig. 3 for detail), the link being provided with a perforated ear 9 to which the lower link of the chain is hooked. Each link has an inwardly projecting bifurcated lug 10 to receive a ring 11; the ring being secured to the lugs by the bolts 11. The lower end of each link is split and shaped to receive a tubular rail 12 to which it is clamped by the bolt 13. The major portion of the link 8 is formed at such an angle to the lug 10 that a circular line passing through the lower portions of the links will be considerably greater in circumference than the ring 11 so that the rail 12 is therefore larger in circumference than the ring 11. Placed upon the support 1 is a disk 14:, preferably of wood, the disk being held in position by the collars 15 and 16 which are secured to the support 1 by the wedges 17 and the bolts 18.

In operation, the persons using the apparatus hang from the rail 12 by grasping the same with their hands and by pushing on the ground with their feet, the hand rail, ring 11 and cap 5, together with the connecting chains and links 8 will be caused to revolve and will also oscillate with a wave-like mo tion. The ring 11, which is merely a guard ring, cooperates with the bumper 14 to limit the degree of oscillation and prevent the hand rail 12 coming in contact with the vertical support 1.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In a playground apparatus of the character described, a central support, a buifer ring revolubly and oscillatorily hung from said support, rigid links attached to said ring and depending therefrom, and a circular hand rail attached to the lower ends of said links at such elevation from the ground as to permit a person to hang therefrom by grasping said rail with the hands and to be rotated by pushing on the ground with the feet.

2. In an apparatus of the character described, a central supporting standard, a head mounted at the upper end of said standard having a rounded surface, a cap loosely mounted on the rounded surface of said head, a buffer ring, flexible means for suspending said ring from said cap, a circular hand rail of larger diameter than said ring, means for rigidly connecting said rail and ring with the rail below the ring but at such elevation from the ground as to permit a person to hang therefrom by grasping with the hand and to be revolved by pushing on the ground with the feet, and a buffer member on said support to cooperate with said ring.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 14th day of March, 1927.

CHARLES E HQPPESY 

